Red tape is causing a headache for British equestrian businesses and customers negotiating the post-Brexit landscape, while hopes abound the situation will improve before long.
Traders have told H&H that on the whole business has been strong in the equestrian sector despite the challenges Covid and Brexit have posed, but new paperwork, taxes and confusion surrounding Britain’s trade deal with the EU are causing trouble.
“The problem is, people tried to get prepared, but they didn’t know what they were preparing for and that has made this so much more challenging,” British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams told H&H, adding that this is also all new to customs agents and couriers.
“It is causing quite a few hiccups, but I’m hoping it is just going to be a temporary blip.”
GETTING AHEAD
MS WILLIAMS said some businesses tried to get ahead with shipments before the end of the transition period, but French border issues in December as a result of Covid caused problems.
Denne historien er fra January 21, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra January 21, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change